September 17, 2025 | 05:46 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Timor-Leste Parliament has bowed to public pressure, canceling a controversial plan to purchase SUVs for its members in one of Southeast Asia’s poorest nations.
The move came after two days of massive demonstrations in Dili, but thousands of skeptical protesters returned to the streets on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
The student-led rallies against the million-dollar procurement plan drew thousands of participants this week, leading to violent clashes with police on Monday and Tuesday. Protesters hurled stones, while security forces responded with tear gas.
Despite parliament’s last-minute cancellation, about 2,000 demonstrators gathered near the parliament complex on Wednesday for a third straight day.
“The rumor is that the cars are already on their way,” said protester Trinito Gaio, 42, as quoted by CNA.
“That’s why I and all these students are here today—to ensure that my tax money is not misused.”
The controversy stemmed from a $4.2 million budget, approved last year, to buy Toyota Prado SUVs for each of the 65 lawmakers. According to official parliament documents, the tender was set to be completed this September.
The plan fueled outrage in a nation where more than 40 percent of citizens live in poverty, based on World Bank data.
Amid mounting public anger, lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution to halt the purchase. The statement instructed the parliament’s general secretariat to take “administrative and financial measures aimed at the maintenance and efficient use” of existing vehicles.
President Jose Ramos-Horta urged restraint, warning that there would be “no tolerance” for violence during the demonstrations.
The unrest unfolded while Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão was in London for border negotiations. He is expected to return on September 22.
Timor-Leste, which declared independence from Indonesia in 2002 after more than two decades of occupation, continues to face deep economic challenges, including high inequality, malnutrition, and unemployment. Its economy remains heavily reliant on oil revenues.
The turmoil echoes recent unrest in neighboring Indonesia, where deadly riots erupted in August after a Jakarta police armored vehicle fatally struck an online motorcycle taxi driver during protests.
Those demonstrations also targeted parliamentary perks, low wages, and unemployment under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration.
Editor’s Choice: Thousands of Police Deployed to Secure Anti-Police Reform Demonstration in Jakarta
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Lawmaker Justifies TNI Presence at Parliament for Safe Working Conditions
1 jam lalu
Deputy Chair of Commission XIII DPR, Andreas Hugo Pareira, explained that the deployment of TNI troops was based on security assessments.
Indonesia's DPR Calls In Online Motorcycle Taxi Alliance for Hearing Today
2 jam lalu
Seven representatives of the online motorcycle taxi drivers' alliance entered the Senayan Parliament Complex in Central Jakarta on Wednesday.
France Braces for Mass Protests Tomorrow, What Are the Demands?
4 jam lalu
France is bracing for mass protests and strikes on Thursday, September 18, 2025, with up to 800,000 people expected nationwide.
Trump Lands in UK for Second State Visit
5 jam lalu
The US president is due to meet both King Charles III and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Demonstrations are planned against Trump's visit.
Police Accused of Wrongfully Arresting Students in Magelang Riot
6 jam lalu
A school student, DRP, claims to have been a victim of mistaken arrest and assault by the police.
6,118 Joint Forces Deployed to Secure Protests at Palace and DPR Today
7 jam lalu
6,118 combined personnel deployed to secure protest by online motorcycle taxi association at the House of Representatives (DPR) in Jakarta today.
Bali Police Name 14 Suspects in August Riot
7 jam lalu
The police headquarters in several regions have become targets of vandalism following the recent riots in Jakarta at the end of August.
Inside Today's Online Motorcycle Taxi Drivers' Protest: Key Demands and Routes
8 jam lalu
The Online Motorcycle Taxi Association, Garda Indonesia, will hold a protest today demanding seven demands.
What Are the Demands of Today's Motorcycle Taxi Drivers' Protest?
8 jam lalu
Online motorcycle taxi (ojol) drivers in Indonesia will hold a protest in Jakarta today.
Soldiers to Guard DPR Complex Until Situation is "Conducive," Says Defense Minister
1 hari lalu
The minister of defense, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, stated that the military deployment in the guarding duty is not only carried out at the DPR building.
